Ruth Stellino

Ruth Stellino passed away at age 98 in Muskegon, MI on November 15, 2016. An almost lifelong resident of Grand Rapids, she was born Ruth Catherine Drieborg on August 11, 1918. She was orphaned at age 6 and always marveled that she lived so long as her parents died in their 40's. However, her family and friends knew that it probably took that long for God to have Heaven "just right" for her. Ruth was a strong and fiercely independent woman who made her own way, in her own way. She met Philip Stellino while in nursing school and they married two years after graduation on June 15, 1940. The two were devoted to each other until his death in 1990 less than two months before their 50th wedding anniversary. Ruth was a member of the first graduating class of Mercy Central School of Nursing and always looked forward to their alumni events and never missed a one. She loved the thought of travel but only realized that dream when they purchased a reliable vehicle in 1958. Phil literally went along for the ride as they visited the western states, upper Michigan and all the states in which their children resided. Their last trip was to Sicily, Italy, Phil's birthplace, and she always said that was a trip of a lifetime. She was committed to her Catholic faith and made Our Lady of Sorrows Church not only the center of her spiritual life but her social life as well. She prayed and had Bible study with her many friends there. In her younger days, in her 70's and 80's, she accompanied those same friends to Las Vegas and Michigan casinos to play the slots where she won absolutely nothing. She enjoyed visiting with her friends after Mass on Sunday mornings. But she especially enjoyed usually being the oldest person in any room. Her passion was sewing and quilting and she continued both until she fell ill. She crafted church vestments and accessories, lap quilts for the Grand Rapids Veterans Facility, and heart comfort pillows for breast cancer patients. When full size quilts and lap quilts became too daunting she quilted potholders for anyone who would take one. By far, the driving force in Ruth's life was the love she had for her family. She was always the most comfortable when she was with them. She is survived by her son, Vito Stellino of Jacksonville, Fl, Jo Petranka (Frank) of Fredericksburg, VA and Rosemary Stellino (Tim Breed) of Muskegon. She has seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 AM Saturday, November 19, 2016 at our Lady of Sorrows Church, 101 Hall St. SE. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Friday 2PM to 4PM and 6 to 8PM at Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 3131 S. Division Ave., and one hour prior to Mass on Saturday at Church. Prayers of the rosary will be recited at 7:30PM Friday at the funeral chapel. Internment at Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you have Catholic Masses said on behalf of Ruth for her eternal peace and rest. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Ruth Stellino please visit our Sympathy Store.